Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
